System for simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactive broadband service

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus is provided for the delivery of digital television and interactive broadband service in a manner that maximizes the useage of the digital broadcast spectrum. A digital television signal is transmitted to a given broadcast area in a relatively small part (for example, a 1 MHz band) of one or more licensed portions of the digital broadcast spectrum. Interactive broadband service is delivered within at least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcast digital television signal, in the remainder (for example, a 5 MHz band) of an unused part of the same licensed portion of the digital broadcast spectrum as is occupied by the digital television signal, or within an unlicensed (unused) portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. The broadcasting of the digital television and delivery the interactive broadband service occur simultaneously. In one embodiment, digital television and broadband service are delivered by the same equipment within the same bandwidth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority on the following provisional patentapplications:

Title Ser. No. Filing Date System For Simultaneously Delivering60/779,761 Mar. 6, 2006 Digital Transmission And InteractiveCommunications Services Low Power System For Simultaneously 60/779,693Mar. 6, 2006 Delivering Digital Transmission And InteractiveCommunications Services High Power System For Simultaneously 60/779,957Mar. 6, 2006 Delivering Digital Transmission And InteractiveCommunications Services Cellular System For Simultaneously 60/779,509Mar. 6, 2006 Delivering Digital Transmission And InteractiveCommunications Services System For Simultaneously Delivering 60/779,560Mar. 6, 2006 Digital Transmission And Interactive CommunicationsServices Utilizing Reflectors To Maximize Signal Strength Method AndApparatus For Eliminating 60/779,562 Mar. 6, 2006 Interference In SystemFor Simultaneously Delivering Digital Transmission And InteractiveCommunications Services System For Simultaneously Delivering 60/779,839Mar. 6, 2006 Digital Transmission And Interactive CommunicationsServices Low Power System For Simultaneously 60/779,508 Mar. 6, 2006Delivering Digital Transmission And Interactive Communications ServicesHigh Power System For Simultaneously 60/779,564 Mar. 6, 2006 DeliveringDigital Transmission And Interactive Communications Services CellularSystem For Simultaneously 60/779,563 Mar. 6, 2006 Delivering DigitalTransmission And Interactive Communications Services System ForSimultaneously Delivering 60/779,757 Mar. 6, 2006 Digital TransmissionAnd Interactive Communications Services Utilizing Reflectors To MaximizeSignal Strength Method And Apparatus For Eliminating 60/779,561 Mar. 6,2006 Interference In System For Simultaneously Delivering DigitalTransmission And Interactive Communications Services System ForSimultaneously Delivering 60/779,887 Mar. 6, 2006 Digital AndInteractive Communications Services Utilizing Reflectors To MaximizeSignal Strength Advertising Revenue Supported System 60/788,212 Mar. 31,2006 For Voice Data And Video Interactive Communications Services SystemFor Utilizing Paging Spectrum 60/788,210 Mar. 31, 2006 To ProvideNetwork ManagementThis application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/713,383 filed Mar. 2, 2007 in the name of William J. Rouhana Jr.entitled: “System for Simultaneous Delivery of Digital Television andInteractive Broadband Service”.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAMLISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for thetransmission of digital television and for the delivery of interactivebroadband service and more particularly for the simultaneous delivery ofdigital television and interactive broadband service in a manner thatmaximizes digital broadcast spectrum usage.

2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR1.97 and 1.98

The U.S. Congress has set a Feb. 18, 2009 deadline for televisionstations to switch entirely from analog to digital broadcasts. All suchdigital television broadcasts must utilize the digital broadcastspectrum located at 480-698 MHz. This switch will allow broadcasters todeliver a single channel of television programming utilizing only asmall part, for example, 1 MHz of the 6 MHz, of bandwidth that eachbroadcast license allocates to each television station owner. Oneembodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for usingthe remaining part, for example, 5 MHz of the 6 MHz, of the bandwidthallotted to each license holder to deliver interactive broadband serviceat the same time that digital television signal is broadcast within thelicensed bandwidth. A second embodiment of the present invention isdirected to a system for using the bandwidth between the 6 MHz bandsallotted to license holders to deliver interactive broadband service atthe same time that the digital television signal is broadcast within thelicensed bandwidth. A third embodiment of the present invention isdirected to a system where the digital television signal and theinteractive broadband service are delivered in an integrated fashionwithin the same bandwidth, either licensed or unlicensed, utilizingInternet protocol.

Spectrum is an extremely valuable and scarce resource. Maximizing theuse of spectrum for its best and highest use is a critical financial andpublic policy goal. In August 2006, the FCC conducted the AdvancedWireless Services (AWS) auction in which other spectrum, which can beused in similar ways but which is less valuable then digital broadcastspectrum, was sold to telecommunications, satellite and cable serviceproviders. In that auction, various companies in the wireless industrypaid approximately $14 billion for 90 MHz of AWS Spectrum. There are 200MHz of digital broadcast spectrum.

In another comparable spectrum development, specifically in the 700 MHzfrequency, on Feb. 1, 2005, Aloha Partners LP announced that itpurchased Cavalier Group LLC and DataCom Wireless LLC, respectively thesecond and third largest owners of 700 MHz spectrum in the UnitedStates. Though the purchase price comparables were not disclosedpublicly, those purchases indicate additional interest in the ownershipof spectrum assets.

Demand for broadband services is exploding. Over the last several years,various devices including computers, PDA's, cellular telephones andother similar devices have been connected to the world wide web (theInternet) for a variety of services that are of increasing importance indelivery to both commerce and consumer entertainment. The ability todeliver these services on a mobile or portable basis is increasinglyviewed as an essential element of the telecommunications andentertainment industries. Mobile or portable delivery requires the useof wireless technologies which, in turn, requires the use of spectrum.As a result, the demand for spectrum is expected to continue toskyrocket and spectrum costs are expected to continue to increase.

Recently, the Federal Communications Commission has begun a proceedingto determine how to use the unlicensed portions of the digital broadcastspectrum. This proceeding seeks to set regulations for the use of the“white space” (unlicensed spectrum) in the digital television band.

By utilizing the system of the present invention, a digital broadcastspectrum owner, or a user of the digital broadcast white space, or bothcan utilize digital television spectrum to most efficiently andeffectively deliver both television and broadband service to end users.

Thus, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus forthe delivery of interactive broadband service and, more particularly, tothe delivery of that service utilizing the digital broadcast spectrum,currently located at 480-698 MHz, while simultaneously deliveringtelevision using that spectrum.

Interactive broadband service may be delivered by WiMax (WorldInteroperability for Microwave Access) based upon the IEEE 802.16standard. WiMax enables broadband speeds over wireless networks at acost which permits mass market. Currently, there are two main WiMaxapplications: fixed WiMax applications are point-to-multipoint enablingbroadband access to homes and businesses, and mobile WiMax which offersthe full mobility of cellular networks at broadband speeds. The presentinvention is capable of both fixed and mobile WiMax applications.

Alternatively, delivery of the interactive broadband service inaccordance with the present invention may utilize any of the followingtechnologies: 3G, EV-DO or HSPDA.

In the following specification, the term “digital broadcast spectrum” isused to refer any portion of the broadcast spectrum that may be used tobroadcast digital signals. Thus, although examples provided tounderstand the invention relate to the 480-698 MHz frequency bandcurrently used to for television signals, that term is to be understoodto include, in addition to the 480-698 MHz frequency band presentlyallotted to television signals, the spectra which are currently or inthe future may be allotted to television, cellular, PCS, AWS and othersimilar services.

Further, the reference to “licensed” and “unlicensed” portions of thedigital broadcast spectrum should be not be considered to be limited tothe current licensing scheme and may best be understood as generallyreferring to used and unused portions of the digital broadcast spectrum.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, a prime object of the present invention to provide asystem for the simultaneous delivery of digital television andinteractive broadband service.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing the same licensed band of the digitalbroadcast spectrum.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing one or more licensed bands of the digitalbroadcast spectrum and the “white space” outside of or between licensedbands.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing the unused bandwidth that each broadcastlicense allocates to each television station owner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing a digital television signal transmitter anda WiMax transmitter/receiver, both transmitting on frequencies withinthe same 6 MHz portion of the digital broadcast spectrum.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband services utilizing a digital television signal transmitter anda WiMax transmitter/receiver, both transmitting on frequencies withinthe same 6 MHz portion of the digital broadcast spectrum, wherein theWiMax transmitter/receiver covers at least a portion of the broadcastarea of the digital television transmitter.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing a digital television signal transmitter anda WiMax transmitter/receiver, both transmitting on frequencies withinthe same 6 MHz portion of the digital broadcast spectrum, whereinnetwork management signals are delivered outside that portion of thespectrum to provide cost effective network management, in lieu of usinga portion of any spectrum being used to deliver the broadband services,thereby maximizing the use of the spectrum used to deliver such servicesto end users.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing a digital television signal transmitter anda WiMax software defined transmitter/receiver connected to a networkmanagement signal transmitter/receiver, wherein the WiMaxtransmitter/receiver and network management signal transmitter/receivercover at least a section of the broadcast area of the digital televisionsignal transmitter.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband services utilizing a digital television signal transmitter anda plurality of WiMax transmitters/receivers, each connected to a networkmanagement signal transmitter/receiver, wherein the WiMaxtransmitter/receivers and the network management signaltransmitter/receivers cover at least a portion of the broadcast area ofthe digital television transmitter.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing a digital television signal transmitter andmultiple WiMax transmitters/receivers, all transmitting on the same 6MHz portion of the digital broadcast spectrum.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing a digital television signal transmitter anda WiMax transmitter/receiver, both transmitting on the same 6 MHzportion of the digital broadcast spectrum, wherein the digitaltelevision signal transmitter transmits on a part of that portion of thedigital broadcast spectrum and the WiMax transmitter/receiver transmitson all or part of the remaining part of that portion of the digitalbroadcast spectrum.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing a digital television signal transmitter anda plurality of WiMax transmitters/receivers, all transmitting on thesame 6 MHz portion of the digital broadcast spectrum, wherein thedigital television signal transmitter transmits on 1 MHz of that portionof the digital broadcast spectrum and the WiMax transmitter/receiverstransmit on all or part of the remaining 5 MHz of that portion of thedigital broadcast spectrum.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing the same digital broadcast spectrum, whereinthe interactive broadband service is delivered to broadbandcommunication devices having interference detection technology.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband services utilizing the same digital broadcast spectrum,wherein the interactive broadband services are delivered by a WiMaxtransmitter/receiver to broadband communications devices includingcomputers, wherein the computers utilize a lower return signal bit ratethan the bit rate of the signal from the WiMax transmitter/receiver.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing the same digital broadcast spectrum, whereinthe interactive broadband service is delivered by a WiMaxtransmitter/receiver to broadband communications devices, and signalreflectors are utilized to boost the return signals from the broadbandcommunications devices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of television signals via digital transmissionand interactive broadband service utilization devices (including voice,video and data transfer) utilizing low or high power broadcasting onboth a fixed and mobile basis.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service utilizing the same digital broadcast spectrum, whereinthe interactive broadband service is delivered by a WiMaxtransmitter/receiver to broadband communications devices utilizingequipment that is compliant with WiMax standards under 802.16d (fixed)or 802.16e (mobile) as well as other delivery technologies, such as 3G,EV-DO and HSDPA.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe simultaneous delivery of digital television and interactivebroadband service wherein the digital television signal is converted toan Internet protocol television signal and provided to the interactivebroadband service delivery equipment via the Internet such that theInternet protocol signal is integrated with the interactive broadbandservice signal and is broadcast using the same equipment and bandwidthas is used to deliver the interactive broadband service.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe delivery of interactive broadband service wherein the interactivebroadband service is provided at a first node and delivered tocommunications devices from a second node and wherein the first node andthe second node are connected by enabling one or more communicationspaths as needed from the following group: fiber, cable, fixed wireless,cellular, PCS, WiMax, laser and local exchange carrier telephonenetwork, each of the communications paths utilizing a differentcommunication medium.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system forthe delivery of interactive broadband service by an Internet basedservice provider having a website for its service users, wherein linksrefer service users from the service provider's website to otherwebsites and the service provider charges a fee based upon the number ofreferrals and the gross revenue generated from advertising, the sale ofgoods or services, or otherwise by the referrals, as reflected byembedded tags identifying the service provider's website as the sourceof the referrals.

In general, the above noted objectives are achieved by the system of thepresent invention, as follows.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for delivery of digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. Themethod includes broadcasting a digital television signal to a givenbroadcast area in a first frequency band within a portion of the digitalbroadcast spectrum and delivering interactive broadband service withinat least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcastdigital television signal in a second frequency band within the sameportion of the digital broadcast spectrum occupied by the digitaltelevision signal, wherein broadcasting a digital television signal anddelivering interactive broadband service occur simultaneously.

The step of delivering interactive broadband service includes providingthe interactive broadband service using a technology selected from thefollowing: WiMax, 3G, EV-DO or HSPDA.

The step of delivering interactive broadband service includes providinginteractive broadband service using multiple sources within thebroadcast area covered by the digital television signal. Preferably, thesources are positioned at spaced locations within the broadcast areacovered by the digital television signal.

The method further includes providing a communication device capable ofreceiving interactive broadband service within at least a portion of thebroadcast area of the digital television signal and providing thecommunication device with interference detection technology capable ofcanceling out the digital television signal or other potentiallyinterfering signals.

The method further includes providing a communication device capable ofcommunication with the source of the interactive broadcast servicewithin a portion of the area covered by the digital television signal,including sending return signals from the communication device to thesource of the interactive broadband service, and reflecting the returnsignals to the source of the interactive broadband service. The step ofreflecting includes positioning a plurality of signal reflectors atspaced locations within the area to which the interactive broadbandservice is delivered by the source. Such signal reflectors may be usedto boost return signal power, avoid obstacles such as buildings ormountains located between the communication device and the source or topermit the reduction of the size of the service sourcetransmitter/receivers.

The method further includes using network management signals transmittedat a frequency outside of the portion of the digital broadcast spectrumwithin which the digital television signal is broadcast and theinteractive broadband service is delivered.

The method further includes providing one or more fixed or mobilecommunications devices within the area covered by the broadcasttelevision signal for communicating with the source of the interactivebroadband service.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for delivery of digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the digital broadcast spectrum. The method includesbroadcasting a digital television signal to a given broadcast area in afrequency band within one or more licensed portions of the digitalbroadcast spectrum and delivering interactive broadband service withinat least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcastdigital television signal, in a frequency band within an unlicensedportion of the digital broadcast spectrum, wherein broadcasting of thedigital television signal and delivering interactive broadcast serviceoccur simultaneously.

The step of delivering interactive broadband services includes providinginteractive broadband service using a technology selected from thefollowing: WiMax, 3G, EV-DO or HSPDA.

The step of delivering interactive broadband service includes providinginteractive broadband service using multiple sources within thebroadcast area covered by the digital television signal. Preferably, themultiple sources are positioned at spaced locations within the broadcastarea covered by the digital television signal.

The method further includes providing a communication device capable ofreceiving the interactive broadband service within a portion of thebroadcast area of the digital television signal and providing thecommunication device with interference detection technology capable ofcanceling out the digital television signal and other interference, suchas adjacent or co-channel interference.

The method further includes providing a device capable of communicationwith the source of the interactive broadband service within thebroadcast area covered by the digital television signal, includingsending return signals from the communication device to the source ofthe interactive broadband service, and reflecting the return signalsfrom the communication device to the source of the interactive broadbandservice. Preferably, the step of reflecting includes positioning aplurality of signal reflectors at spaced locations within the area towhich the interactive broadband service are delivered, including aroundthe periphery thereof.

The method further includes using network management signals transmittedat a frequency outside of the portions of the digital broadcastspectrum, such as the paging frequency, within which the digitaltelevision signal is broadcast and the interactive broadband service isdelivered.

The method further includes providing one or more fixed or mobilecommunication devices within the area covered by the broadcasttelevision signal for communicating with the source of the interactivebroadband service.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, apparatus isprovided for delivery of a digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. Theapparatus includes means for transmitting a digital television signal toa broadcast area in a first frequency band within a portion of thedigital broadcast spectrum and means for delivering interactivebroadband service within at least a portion of the broadcast area in asecond frequency band within that portion of the digital broadcastspectrum, wherein the digital television signal transmitting means andthe interactive broadband service delivery means functionsimultaneously.

The interactive broadband service delivery means includes atransmitter/receiver using a technology selected from the following:WiMax, 3G, EV-DO or HSPDA.

The interactive broadband services delivery means includes more than onetransmitter/receiver within the broadcast area.

The interactive broadband service delivery means includes multipleinteractive broadband service delivery means positioned at spacedlocations within the broadcast area.

The interactive broadband service delivery means includes multiple WiMaxtransmitter/receivers positioned at spaced locations within thebroadcast area.

The apparatus further includes a communication device capable ofreceiving the interactive broadband service within a portion of thebroadcast area. The communication device includes means for cancelingthe broadcast digital television signal.

The apparatus further includes a device capable of communicating withthe interactive broadband service delivery means within a portion of thebroadcast area by sending a return signal from the communication deviceto the interactive broadband service delivery means and means forreflecting the return signal from the communication device to theinteractive broadband service delivery means. The return signalreflecting means includes a plurality of signal reflectors positioned atspaced locations around within the area to which the interactivebroadcast service is delivered, including around the periphery thereof.

The apparatus further includes means for transmitting network managementsignals on a frequency outside the portion of the digital broadcastspectrum, such as the paging frequency, utilized for the digitaltelevision signal and the interactive broadband service.

The apparatus further includes one ore more fixed or mobilecommunication devices within the broadcast area for communicating withthe interactive broadband service delivery means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, apparatus isprovided for delivery of digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the digital broadcast spectrum. The apparatus includesmeans for transmitting a digital television signal to a broadcast areain a frequency band within one or more licensed portions of the digitalbroadcast spectrum and means for delivering interactive broadbandservice within at least a portion of that broadcast area in a frequencyband within an unlicensed portion of the digital broadcast spectrum,wherein the digital television signal transmitting means and theinteractive broadband service delivery means function simultaneously.

The interactive broadband service delivery means includes atransmitter/receiver using a technology selected from the following:WiMax, 3G, EV-DO or HSPDA.

The interactive broadband service delivery means includes more than onetransmitter/receiver within the broadcast area.

The interactive broadband service delivery means includes multipleinteractive broadband service delivery means located at spaced positionswithin the broadcast area.

The interactive broadband service delivery means includes multiple WiMaxtransmitter/receivers located at spaced positions within the broadcastarea.

The apparatus further includes a communication device capable ofreceiving the interactive broadband services within a portion of thebroadcast area. That device includes means for canceling the broadcastdigital television signal or other interference.

The apparatus further includes a device capable of communicating withthe interactive broadband service delivery means within a portion of thebroadcast area by sending a return signal from the communication deviceto the interactive broadband service delivery means and means forreflecting the return signal from the communication device to theinteractive broadband service delivery means. The return signalreflecting means includes a plurality of signal reflectors positioned atspaced locations within the area to which the interactive broadcastservice is delivered, including around the periphery thereof.

The apparatus further includes means for transmitting network managementsignals on a frequency outside the portion of the digital broadcastspectrum, such as the paging frequency, utilized by the digitaltelevision signal transmitting means and interactive broadband servicedelivery means.

The apparatus further includes one or more fixed or mobile communicationdevices within the broadcast area for communicating with the interactivebroadband service delivery means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for delivery of digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. Themethod includes the steps of: broadcasting a digital television signalto a given broadcast area within a portion of the digital broadcastspectrum and delivering interactive broadband service within at least aportion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcast digitaltelevision signal in the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrumoccupied by the digital television signal, wherein the step ofbroadcasting a digital television signal and the step of deliveringinteractive broadband service occur simultaneously.

The step of broadcasting a digital television signal includes the stepof converting the digital television signal into an Internet protocoltelevision signal and the step of broadcasting the Internet protocoltelevision signal using the same equipment as is used to deliver theinteractive broadband service.

The method further includes the step of using the Internet to providethe Internet protocol television signal to the equipment used to deliverthe interactive broadband signal service.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for delivery of digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. Themethod includes the steps of: delivering a digital television signal toa given broadcast area within a portion of the digital broadcastspectrum and delivering interactive broadband service within at least aportion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcast digitaltelevision signal in the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrumoccupied by the digital television signal, wherein the step ofdelivering a digital television signal and the step of deliveringinteractive broadband service utilize the same delivery equipment.

The step of delivering a digital television signal includes the step ofconverting the digital television signal into an Internet protocoltelevision signal and the step of using the Internet to provide theInternet protocol television signal to the delivery equipment.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, apparatus isprovided for delivery of digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. Theapparatus includes: means for broadcasting a digital television signalto a given broadcast area within a portion of the digital broadcastspectrum and means for delivering interactive broadband service withinat least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcastdigital television signal in the same portion of the digital broadcastspectrum as is occupied by the digital television signal. The means fordelivering interactive broadband service includes the means forbroadcasting a digital television signal.

The means for broadcasting a digital television signal includes meansfor converting the digital television signal into an Internet protocoltelevision signal and means for broadcasting the Internet protocoltelevision signal using the means for delivering the interactivebroadband service.

The apparatus further includes means for using the Internet to providethe Internet protocol television signal to the means for delivering theinteractive broadband signal service.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, apparatus isprovided for delivery of digital television and interactive broadbandservice using the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrum Theapparatus includes: means for delivering a digital television signal toa given broadcast area within a portion of the digital broadcastspectrum and means for delivering interactive broadband service withinat least a portion of the same broadcast area as is covered by thebroadcast digital television signal in the same portion of the digitalbroadcast spectrum occupied by the digital television signal. Thedigital television signal is delivered by the means for deliveringinteractive broadband service.

The means for delivering a digital television signal includes means forconverting the digital television signal into an Internet protocoltelevision signal and means for using the Internet to provide theInternet protocol television signal to the interactive broadband servicedelivery means.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for delivery of interactive broadband service. The methodincludes the steps of: providing interactive broadband service at afirst node, delivering the interactive broadband service tocommunications devices from a second node and connecting the first nodeand the second node. The step of connecting the first node and thesecond node includes enabling one or more communications paths from thefollowing group: fiber, cable, fixed wireless, cellular, PCS, WiMax,laser and local exchange carrier telephone network. Preferably, each ofthe communications paths utilizes a different communication medium.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, apparatus isprovided for delivery of interactive broadband service. The apparatusincludes means for providing interactive broadband service at a firstnode, means for delivering the interactive broadband service tocommunications devices from a second node, and means for connecting thefirst node and the second node. The means for connecting the first nodeand the second node include means for enabling one or more types ofcommunications paths from the following group: fiber, cable, fixedwireless, cellular, PCS, WiMax, laser and local exchange carriertelephone network. Preferably, each of the communication paths utilizesa different communications medium.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for delivery of interactive broadband service by an Internetbased service provider. The method includes the steps of: providinginteractive broadband service to service user's communications devices,providing a website for service users, providing links to refer serviceusers from the service provider's website to the websites of others andcharging a fee based upon the number of referrals and/or the grossrevenues generated from advertising, the sale of goods and services orotherwise by the referrals.

Preferably, the links to advertiser's websites include an embedded tagidentifying the service provider's website as the source of thereferral.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, apparatus isprovided for delivery of interactive broadband service by an Internetbased service provider. The apparatus includes means for providinginteractive broadband service to service user's communications devices,means for providing a website for its service users, means for providinglinks to refer service users from the service provider's website toother websites and means for charging a fee based upon the number ofreferrals and/or the gross revenues generated from advertising, the saleof goods and services or otherwise by the referrals.

Preferably, means are provided for embedding a tag identifying theservice provider's website as the source of the referral.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for delivery of interactive broadband service. The methodincludes the steps of: providing interactive broadband service,delivering the interactive broadband service to communications devicesusing interactive broadband service delivery equipment, providing theinteractive broadband service to the interactive broadband servicedelivery equipment via the Internet using a local exchange carriertelephone network operated by a telephone company having a centraloffice and locating the interactive broadband service delivery equipmentproximate the central office of the telephone company.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, apparatus isprovided for delivery of interactive broadband service. The apparatusincludes: means for providing interactive broadband service, means fordelivering the interactive broadband service to communications devicesusing interactive broadband service delivery equipment, means forproviding the interactive broadband service to the interactive broadbandservice delivery equipment via the Internet using a local exchangecarrier telephone network operated by a telephone company having acentral office, wherein the interactive broadband service deliveryequipment is located proximate the central office of the telephonecompany operating the local exchange carrier telephone network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, thepresent invention relates to a system for the simultaneous delivery ofdigital television and interactive broadband service as described indetail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims,taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numeralsrefer to like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of the system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the digital television transmitter, interactivebroadband service transmitter/receiver and network management signaltransmitter/receiver of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the digital broadcast spectrum showing a typical thefrequency allotment in accordance with the first and second preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the interference detection circuitry in atypical interactive broadband service communication device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the Internet delivery oftelevision signals to the interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receiver such that the signals can be time integrated fordelivery by the same equipment as the interactive broadband service,within the same bandwidth; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the various communications pathsavailable for connecting the Internet to the interactive broadbandservice delivery transmitter/receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method and apparatus for simultaneousbroadcast of digital television and delivery of interactive broadbandservice. The interactive broadband service may include any two-wayvoice, video and/or data communication. The system advantageouslyutilizes the unused or “white space” portions of the digital broadcastspectrum to deliver the interactive broadband service in order tomaximize the use of this limited spectrum resource. The result of thissimultaneous delivery system is to provide the most efficient andeffective way to deliver such services.

Three preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. Thefirst two preferred embodiments utilize the same method and apparatus.The difference lies in the frequencies over which the interactivebroadband service is delivered. The difference between the two preferredembodiments is illustrated with reference to FIG. 3.

In the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, as describedbelow with reference to FIG. 5, the digital television signal is notbroadcast separately from the interactive broadband service but insteadby the same equipment as is used to deliver the interactive broadbandservice and within the same portion of the digital broadcast spectrum asthe interactive broadband service. In that embodiment, the digitaltelevision signal is converted to an Internet protocol television signaland provided through the Internet to the interactive broadband servicedelivery equipment. The Internet protocol television signal is then timeintegrated with the interactive broadband service signal such that itcan be delivered using the same equipment as is used to deliver theinteractive broadband service, over the same portion of the digitalbroadcast spectrum.

FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of a portion of the digital broadcastspectrum, generally designated A, which is divided into two F.C.C.licensed portions 10, 12, each, for example, 6 MHz wide, separated by anunlicensed and thus unused “white space” 14. For purposes ofillustration, each of the licensed portions 10, 12 is subdivided intosix sections, each section representing a part, for example, 1 MHz widefrequency band, of the licensed portion.

Transmission of a digital television signal only requires only a narrowbandwidth, for example, 1 MHz band. Accordingly, the first subdivisionof each licensed portion 10, 12 of spectrum A is shown as allocated forthe broadcast of a digital television signal, as denoted by thecrosshatching. The remaining five subdivisions of each licensed portion10, 12, each representing, for example, a band 1 MHz wide, are notrequired for the transmission of digital television signal. In the firstpreferred embodiment of the present invention, those unused frequencieswithin the licensed bandwidth are utilized for the delivery of theinteractive broadband service.

Thus, in the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, boththe digital television signal and the interactive broadband service aresimultaneously delivered at different frequencies within the samelicensed portion of the digital broadcast spectrum, for example is 6 MHzwide.

In the second preferred embodiment, instead of utilizing the unusedspace within the licensed portions 10, 12 of spectrum A to deliver theinteractive broadband service, an unlicensed portion 14 of spectrum Athat lies outside (in the example illustrated, between) the licensedportions 10, 12 is utilized to deliver the interactive broadbandservice.

As seen in FIG. 2, the system of the present invention utilizes aconventional digital television transmitter 16. It also utilizesmultiple interactive broadband service delivery means, each preferablyincluding an interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receiver, such as a conventional WiMax compliant softwaredefined transmitter/receiver 18. Preferably, a network management signaltransmitter/receiver, such as a conventional paging servicetransmitter/receiver 20, is coupled to each WiMax transmitter/receiver18.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, all three components are located at onecentral location 22 within a geographical area 24, which represents thebroadcast coverage area for the digital television signal fromtransmitter 16. The separate antennae for each of the components arepreferably located as high above the ground as is possible, for exampleon a rooftop or tower 26.

At other locations 28 within broadcast area 24, remote from centrallocation 22, an interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receiver 18 and a network management signaltransmitter/receiver 20 connected to that interactive broadband servicedelivery transmitter/receiver 18 are located, again as high as possibleabove the ground, for example, on a tower. Although only two remoteequipment locations 28 are illustrated on FIG. 1 for simplicity, itshould be understood that as many remote equipment locations as arenecessary to provide delivery of interactive broadband servicethroughout broadcast area 24 may be provided.

The WiMax transmitter/receiver 18 at central location 22 deliversinteractive broadband service within the geographical area denoted 30 ofarea 24. The network management signal transmitter/receiver 20 connectedto that WiMax transmitter/receiver delivers network management signalsto the same geographical area 30 of area 24.

The WiMax transmitter/receiver 18 situated at each remote location 28within broadcast area 24 delivers the interactive broadband servicewithin the geographical area denoted as 32 surrounding that location.The network management signal transmitter/receiver 20 connected to thatWiMax transmitter/receiver delivers network management signals withinthe geographical area 32 of area 24 covered by that WiMaxtransmitter/receiver. The size of the areas 30 and 32 depends upon thestrength of the transmitter/receivers, which may be adjusted by changingpower levels, using additional antennas, etc. Further, the deliveryareas may overlap, as illustrated.

Transmitter 16 may be any conventional digital television transmittersuch as Product Number DVB-T-V/7.5 IOT/7.5 kw with TH 760 I.O.T. usedwith a matching antenna. Transmitter/receivers 18 may be anyconventional WiMax compliant software defined transmitter/receiver, suchas one from Alvarion-BreezeMAX Macro Base Station, tuned to the desiredfrequency and used with a matching antenna.

However, equipment that operates using other technologies may beemployed instead of a WiMax transmitter/receiver. For example,conventional EVDO transmitter/receivers, such as Product IP-RN 8000 fromAirvana, or 3G and HSPDA transmitter/receivers, such as Product 3G-nmacro or mini transmitter/receivers from Motorola Horizon, may beemployed instead of WiMax transmitter/receivers.

Transmitter/receiver 20 may be any conventional paging signaltransmitter/receiver. For example, a TTI Wireless PagingTransmitter/receiver available from Turn-Key Technologies, Inc may beemployed for this purpose.

Because the strength of the digital television signal or otherinterference, such as adjacent or co-channel interference, may be muchgreater than the strength of the interactive broadband service deliverysignal within broadcast area 24, the digital television signal or othersignals may tend to interfere with the reception of the interactivebroadband service delivery signal by the fixed or mobile communicationsdevices 44 that interact with the interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receivers 18. Accordingly, it is preferable to equip thosecommunications devices with interference detection circuitry in the chipset. Such interference detection circuitry is commercially available andtypically functions as depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows a function block diagram of the interference detectionsection of a typical transmitter/receiver 18. The received signal, whichincludes a combination of the high power digital television signal orother interfering signals, and the lower power interactive broadbandservice delivery signal, is provided to the input/output circuit 34 ofthe transmitter/receiver 18. Circuit 34 shunts a portion of the receiveddigital television signal or other interfering signal to a signalinverter circuit 36. Circuit 34 passes the remainder of the combinedsignal to a cancellation circuit 38. The inverted digital signal fromcircuit 36 is transferred to cancellation 38 where it cancels theremaining portion of the digital television signal or other interferingin the combined signal, leaving only the interactive broadband servicedelivery signal for further processing by circuit 40.

Again referring to FIG. 1, a number of signal reflectors 42 may beutilized to maximize the strength of the return signals from the variousfixed and mobile interactive broadband service communication devices 44within area 24 back to the broadband service provider. The signalreflectors 42 may be strategically placed at the various distances fromthe locations of the interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receivers 18 to boost the return signal from thecommunications devices. These reflectors would be placed at a variety oflocations as needed within the range of the interactive broadbandservice delivery transmitter/receiver, including the periphery of theinteractive broadband service delivery transmitter/receiver range or atthe periphery of the licensed territory, depending on whether thetransmission approach taken in an area is single transmission orcellular.

Signal reflectors 42 may be used to boost the return signal power fromthe communication devices 44 back to the interactive broadband servicedelivery transmitter/receiver, avoid obstacles such as buildings ormountains located between the communication devices 44 and theinteractive broadband service signal delivery transmitter/receiver 18 orto permit the reduction of the size of the transmitter/receivers 18.

The factors to be taken into account in positioning reflectors 42include: (a) the demand within the interactive broadband servicedelivery transmitter/receiver range (greater demand generally requiresmore reflectors); (b) the output power level of the interactivebroadband service delivery transmitter/receiver and other transmitterswith the same area covered by the interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receiver (greater power and more additional transmittersgenerally require more reflectors); (c) the geography of the terrainwithin the interactive broadband service delivery transmitter/receiverrange (more variability in terrain generally requires more reflectors);(d) the height and proximity to each other of buildings within the areacovered by the interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receiver (a greater number of buildings and taller buildingsgenerally require more reflectors); (e) the size of the area covered bythe interactive broadband service delivery transmitter/receiver (largercoverage area generally requires more reflectors); (f) the distancebetween interactive broadband service delivery transmitter/receivers(greater the distance generally requires more reflectors); and (g) thedesired speed of the interactive broadband service, especially theuplink speed (faster uplink speed generally requires more reflectors).

The reflectors may be any conventional signal reflector, such as theantenna reflectors available from Rohde & Schwarz. Different sizereflectors with optimum feeds may be selected as needed.

Interactive broadband service delivery transmitter/receivers 18 candeliver service to a variety of types of interactive broadband servicecommunications devices 44. Such devices may include fixed devices, suchas home/office communications and computing equipment or mobile devicessuch as PDA's, cellular phones or hand-held computers.

For some communications devices 44, such as hand-held computers, it maybe preferable to use a lower bit rate return signal than the signaltransmitted by the interactive broadband service deliverytransmitter/receiver 18 to the communications device 44. For example,the transmitted signal from transmitter/receiver 18 may utilize a bitrate of 1.5 mbs and the return signal from the device 44 may utilize abit rate of 800 kbs.

FIG. 5 illustrates the third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, delivery of digital television andinteractive broadband service is accomplished using the same portion ofthe digital broadcast spectrum and the same delivery equipment. Thedigital television signal is delivered to broadcast area 24 within aportion of the digital broadcast spectrum. The interactive broadbandservice is delivered within at least a portion of the same broadcastarea 24 covered by the broadcast digital television signal in the sameportion of the digital broadcast spectrum occupied by the digitaltelevision signal. The broadcasting a digital television signal and thedelivery of the interactive broadband service occur simultaneously.

In this embodiment, the digital television signal is first convertedinto an Internet protocol television signal. The Internet is used toprovide the Internet protocol television signal to the equipment that isused to deliver the interactive broadband signal service. Thus, in thisembodiment, the separate digital television signal transmitter 16 iseliminated.

As is illustrated in FIG. 5, the digital television originates with adigital television signal source 46. Source 46 is connected to aconverter 48 which converts the digital television signal from source 46into an Internet protocol television signal. The Internet protocoltelevision signal is then provided via the Internet 49 to theinteractive broadband transmitter/receiver 18.

Transmitter/receiver 18 takes the Internet protocol television signaland integrates that signal with the interactive broadband service signalfrom the service provider 50. That integrated signal is delivered bytransmitter/receiver 18. Accordingly, both the digital television signaland the interactive broadband service signal are broadcast in the samebroadcast area, using the same transmitter/receiver 18, within the sameportion of the digital broadcast spectrum.

FIG. 6 illustrates another aspect of the present invention having to dowith the means for connecting the interactive broadband service provider50, which in an Internet based system typically provides the service viathe Internet to the interactive broadband service delivery means, suchas transmitter/receiver 18, via an existing fiber network or localexchange carrier telephone network (LEC) 52. Accordingly, a means ofconnecting the Internet to the interactive broadband service deliverymeans is required.

In the present invention, that connecting means consists of multiplepossible connection paths using different connection technologies. TheInternet carrying fiber network or LEC 52 is connected to aconnector/selector circuit 54 which is used to enable one of a number ofpossible connection paths to provide two-way broadband servicecommunications with the broadband service delivery transmitter/receiver18. The connection paths may employ a variety of different technologiesincluding one or more of the following: cable 56; fiber 58; a lightconnection between lasers 60; cellular, PCS or WiMaxtransmitters/receivers 62; or fixed wireless transmitters/receivers 64,the latter preferably operating in the 5 to 90 Gigahertz range. Theother ends of those connections are connected to a secondconnector/selector circuit 66 which enables the same connection path asconnector/selector circuit 54 and is, in turn, connected totransmitter/receiver 18.

Obviously, not all of the different types of communication pathidentified above will be available on all systems. Further, theconnector/selector circuits can be used to enable communication paths asis required at a particular time, or during a defined time period. Onthe other hand, the selection may be determined ahead of time to enablea particular communication path or hierarchy of communication paths.

Which particular communication path is enabled at a particular timedepends upon a number of different factors. Those factors include: theamount of demand for the broadband service in the coverage area of theservice delivery transmitter/receiver; the distance between the fibernetwork or LEC and the service delivery transmitter/receiver; cost ofbuilding and operating the connection path; the quality of the servicerequired to be delivered in the area covered by the service deliverytransmitter/receiver; the availability of the various connection pathsat a particular time (for example, if the cable connection is being usedto capacity, a second choice, such as fixed wireless, may be selected);the topography of the coverage area of the service deliverytransmitter/receiver; and the need for redundant communication paths.

Alternatively, with respect to signal distribution from the broadbandservice provider through a local exchange carrier telephone network, theproblem of connecting the service delivery transmitter/receiver 18 withthe service provider can sometimes be solved by eliminating the variousconnections altogether and placing the service deliverytransmitter/receivers 18 at locations proximate the central offices ofthe telephone company providing the local exchange carrier telephonenetwork by which the broadband service is provided. In many cases, thosetelephone company central offices may be widely dispersed, therebyproviding a wide broadband service coverage area.

The interactive broadband service provided by the present invention maybe paid for by the user through monthly subscription fees, as iscustomary for such services. However, since it is contemplated that thesystem of the present invention will be Internet based, the serviceprovider will operate a website for its service users with a home pagethat is used by its service users to access all other Internet sites.

The service provider's home page will link to other websites, as iscommon. When a service user goes from the service provider's website toanother website, an embedded “tag” is sent to the other website alongwith the user connection, signifying that the service provider's websiteis the source of the referral. That “tag” will follow the service userwhere ever the service user goes on the Internet during that session.

The other website operators pay a fee to the service provider for thereferral of the service user from the service provider's website. Thatfee may based upon advertising, sales leads, and/or commissions for thesale of goods and services to the referred service users, either on aperiodic (monthly) basis or based on the number of customer referrals tothe other website from the service provider's website, as represented bythe embedded “tags”, or both. Ultimately, it may be the object of theservice provider to obtain sufficient funds from such fees to providethe interactive broadband service to service users for a greatly reducedfee or even no fee.

It will now be appreciated that the present invention relates to asystem for simultaneously delivering television via digital transmissionand interactive broadband service (including two-way voice, video anddata communications) utilizing low or high power broadcasting on both afixed and mobile basis.

The system operator subdivides each channel of television spectrum(which is licensed by the FCC in 6 MHz blocks) into a first channelconsisting of a small part (for example, 1 MHz of the licensedbandwidth) for the delivery of digital television utilizing conventionaldigital television signal transmitting equipment and a second channelconsisting of the remaining part (for example, 5 MHz) of spectrum forthe delivery of broadband communications service. The broadband serviceis preferably delivered utilizing equipment that is compliant with WiMaxstandards under 802.16d (fixed) or 802.16e (mobile).

Other delivery technologies, in addition to WiMax, such as 3G, EV-DO andHSPDA could be utilized in the portion of the band not allocated todigital television, to deliver the broadband service. Further, theWiMax, 3G, EV-DO or HSPDA transmitter/receiver equipment could be used,either alone or integrated with an existing cellular, PCS or otherproviders of such services utilizing the broadcast spectrum alone orwith that spectrum integrated with other broadcast or other spectra todeliver such services.

The delivery of the digital television signal or the interactivebroadband service signals or both can be cellularized in order tomaximize signal strengths for the end user, minimize interference fromeach signal and allow for the greatest frequency reuse. Whereappropriate, a single transmitter for each signal situated within thecovered area can be utilized when the likely demand for such serviceswould not justify the costs of cellularization.

Software defined “WiMax certified” or “pre-WiMax” transmitter/receiversare preferably used to deliver the interactive broadband service. Thosedevices would be capable of providing such services over the entire480-698 MHz band, including the “white spaces”, but would initiallyutilize only proprietary licensed spectrum, as in the first preferredembodiment of the present invention. Once the “white space” issues areresolved by the FCC, the software defined transmitter/receivers couldeasily be reset to use all of the available “white space” in aparticular broadcast area, as set forth in the second preferredembodiment of the present invention, in addition to the bandwidth of theproprietary licensed spectrum. This would allow the licensed systemoperator access to a larger amount of spectrum with lower capital costs.

The above approaches can be used for both full power and low powertelevision spectrum grants. For some low power applications, systemoperators may increase the amount of power beyond that necessary todeliver television in order to reach the full contour of the low powerlicense with broadband services.

Further, digital television signals could be delivered utilizingInternet protocol as the delivery mechanism for television, therebyincreasing the flexibility of use of the spectrum being used and furtherincreasing the amount of broadband services that could be delivered inthe amount of spectrum that is available where demand is likely to begreater.

A variety of issues can be addressed by utilizing approaches similar tothose taken by cellular providers using other spectrum. For example,interference that might result in certain cases from the powerdifferential between the television signal and the broadband signalcould be eliminated by utilizing existing interference detectiontechnology described above that would detect the strongest signal at adevice and inject that signal into the receiving device to cancel itout. Adjacent and co-channel signal interference issues would be dealtwith via a combination of the above techniques. In addition, a lower bitrate return link referred to previously can be utilized to enable lowerpower devices to send data back to the originating point which wouldalso enhance the reliability of the above described systems.

The above described approach can be utilized to deliver broadbandservices in connection with incumbent local exchange carrier's networkfacilities. The cell sites for the deployment of any of these networkscould be co-located with incumbent local exchange carrier's centraloffice facilities, thereby allowing the use of the incumbent localexchange carrier's fiber and other interconnection capacity. This wouldsave on the cost of interconnection for the wireless broadband provider,while also allowing the incumbent local exchange carriers to addbroadband capacity to their product offering and network at a lower costthan the alternatives, in most cases. That would be especially true forrural local exchange carriers. This approach to networking would not belimited to digital broadcast spectrum only. Any mobile spectrum could beused in this way.

Alternatively, cell sites could be interconnected using a combination ofLEC facilities, cable, cellular, WiMax, PCS, laser, fiber and fixedwireless facilities. The above described system could be used for theinterconnection of cell sites to provide backhaul connections to PCS,cellular and other wireless service providers in addition to the otherservices that could be provided in the previously described system.

A more flexible approach to the breakdown of the spectrum could beundertaken to allow for the delivery of any number of televisionchannels (up to capacity of the a licensed portion of the spectrum,which is currently 6 MHz) with the unused portion of the spectrum usedto deliver broadband services. From 1 to 5 channels could be utilizedwith the balance being used for broadband. Streaming, broadcasting andInternet protocol delivery could be used to deliver services inseparated parts of the spectrum simultaneously. The spectrum could besubdivided using any of these three delivery methods to deliver servicesin these separate parts.

In order to provide cost effective network management, paging and/orother similar frequencies are used to provide network managementservices in lieu of using a portion of any spectrum being used todeliver the broadband services, thereby maximizing the use of thespectrum used to deliver such services to end users. The presentinvention can also be used by other wireless carriers using other typesof spectrum. The paging spectrum would be used as phone lines are usedtoday to monitor equipment performance at each interactive broadbandservice transmitter/receiver site and to send information back to anetwork management center in response to commands delivered to the cellsites. In some cases repairs would be made remotely over the pagingnetwork as well.

Broadband communications services that would be offered over the networkof the present invention, such as two-way voice, data and/or videocommunications, could be billed to the end user on a single bill, alongwith other services such a PCS, cellular services, cable television,telephone services etc. or alone.

Alternatively, those services could be offered at low or no cost to theservice user and paid for by sharing advertising and/or other revenueswith the operators of other websites accessed by the service user fromthe service provider's website. The service provider would develop awebsite for use as the portal by its service users accessing theInternet over the service provider's network or other systems. Theservice users would then search the web from the network by firstarriving at the service provider's portal, which would be credited for aportion of the advertising or other revenue generated by the serviceusers' subsequent web activities.

While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the presentinvention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it isobvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. Itis intended to cover all of those modifications and variations whichfall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by thefollowing claims.

1. A method for delivery of interactive broadband service by an Internetbased service provider comprising the steps of: providing interactivebroadband service to service user's communications devices, providing awebsite for use by service users, providing links to refer service usersfrom the service provider's website to other websites and charging theother websites a fee for the referrals.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinthe links to the other websites include an embedded tag identifying theservice provider's website as the source of the referral.
 3. The methodof claim 1 wherein the referral fee is based upon the number ofreferrals.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the referral fee is basedupon revenues generated from advertising, the sale of goods and servicesor otherwise from the referrals.
 5. Apparatus for delivery ofinteractive broadband service by an Internet based service providercomprising: means for providing interactive broadband service to serviceuser's communications devices, means for providing a website for use byservice users, means for providing links for referring service usersfrom said service provider's website to the other websites and means forcharging a fee for the referrals.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 furthercomprising means for embedding a tag with each of said links.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein said referral fee is based upon the numberof referrals.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said referral fee isbased upon revenues generated from advertising, the sale of goods andservices or otherwise from the referrals.